Supreme Court justice criticizes private donations to political campaigns
Minister Marco Aurélio Mello -
Supreme Court (STF) Justice Marco Aurélio Mello criticized a proposal to legalize the financing of political campaigns by private donors, approved by the Chamber of Deputies last week. The proposal, approved with 330 votes in favor, 141 against, and one abstention, authorizes private donations from individuals and corporations and from individuals to particular candidates.
“This is no charity, businesses don't donate [for campaigns] based on the party ideals. Later [when the donation recipient wins the election], they will demand something in return, at the expense of all society,” Mello argued Tuesday (June 2) at the Espaço Público show on TV Brasil .
The issue is also being reviewed by the Supreme Court. Last year, a majority of STF justices voted to ban corporate donations to political campaigns. The trial was put on hold at the request of Justice Gilmar Mendes, who asked to examine the case docket. “A party asks [to examine the case] because they want to consider it carefully, and they should return the proposal timely,” said Mello.
Translated by Mayra Borges
Fonte: Supreme Court justice criticizes private donations to political campaigns
